Role of cognitive retraining in improving attention in children with learning disabilities

The present study was done to assess the efect of cognitive retraining on attention in children with learning disabilities. An attempt has been made to evaluate the efect of cognitive retraining on sustained attention and focused attention of children with learning disabilities. A sample of ten participants between age of 8 to 13 years with speciic developmental disorders of scholastic skills as per ICD10 DCR criteria were selected using purposive sampling method. Tools used for this study were Socio-demographic data sheet, Malin's Intelligence Scale for Indian Children, NIMHANS Index for Speciic Learning Disability, Number Cancellation Test, Children's Colour Trial Test, Teachers’ and Parents’ Report. Cognitive retraining tasks were given on attention, memory and visual spatial skills for almost 20–25 sessions within school setting and also combined homework exercises with the help of parents and teachers. Comparison of pre-post treatment scores was done. The result suggested that cognitive retraining helped to improve sustained attention and focused attention abilities of children with speciic learning disabilities.